Our Environment

Getting the word out about your non-profit organization can be a challenging task. Most charitable organizations often have limited resources of both cash and man power. These days, “word of mouth” advertising has been replaced by social networking and blogging.

Here are a few tips to expand the reach of your non-profit organization:

Functional and Up-to-date Web Site – If your organizations web site was designed by your 15 year old cousin in 1998, then you probably need to trash it. There is no shortage of talented young web designers who will design a modern and appealing site for little or nothing. Often, a start-up design company may do your site pro-bono just to have a referral and a link back to their own site.

Print Publications – Many publishers offer generous ad opportunities for non-profits. Temecula & Murrieta's Entertainment Magazine donates a free page of ad space every month and, in return, they simply ask for a link back to their site. You can find out more by visiting Temecula & Murrieta Local Charities.

Google Grants Program – Google offers free advertising for qualifying non-profits. With this program you have an opportunity to expand your reach across the largest advertising market in existence. Google does not approve every one, but they have given away tens of millions of dollars in ad space since the program began.

Start a Blog – A blog is a great way to let the world know what is going on with your organization. Best of all, they are free and the search engines love a blog that is updated regularly. There are dozens of free blog services such as Blogger and Wordpress.

Social Networking – Facebook, Myspace, and others are all great channels to spread the word about your non-profit. Because younger people who are active in the community spend a great deal of time on these sites, social networking has become a great way to recruit volunteers.

Hopefully, these tips will help you grow your non-profit and make the most out limited resources. No doubt there are plenty of people out there that want to support your charity but they have to know about it first.